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Hair LossFemale Pattern Baldness
Baldness or hair loss is usually a problem associated with the
male gender. Hair loss and baldness however is just as problematic
for women as it is for men. Fortunately many types of female hair
loss can be easily treated. Female hair loss in women can begin at
any age. Some women experience hair loss that is hereditary in
nature, while others may experience hair loss that results from
hormonal changes or medication use. Not all women suffer from
female pattern alopecia, which involves a thinning of the hair on
top of the scalp. Some women for example, may experience hair loss
on the sides or back of the scalp. Others may experience overall
thinning. Some thinning, such as that associated with the post
partum period, is usually temporary.
Hair Loss Patterns
Patterns of hair loss vary from woman to woman. The most
commonly reported hair loss patterns in women include:
1. Thinning that occurs over the entire scalp. This thinning
usually is more apparent at the back of the head.
2. Thinning over the scalp with more noticeable balding or
thinning toward the front of the head. This pattern usually does
not involve the front hairline however.
3. Thinning that occurs in the front of the scalp including the
hairline.
Hair Loss Causes
Aside from androgenetic alopecia, which is often associated with
male pattern baldness, a number of conditions can result in female
hair loss. These include:
- Alopecia areata - This is thought to result from an
autoimmune disorder and can cause patches of hair to fall out.
- Trichotillomania - Hair loss results in this case from
compulsive pulling. Usually psychological treatment is necessary
to resolve hair loss issues.
- Triangular alopecia - This condition results in hair
loss in the temporal areas of the scalp. Some women with this
condition start losing their hair in childhood. Usually a doctor
can treat this problem with medicines or surgery.
- Scarring alopecia - This is hair loss that results
from scarring. This commonly occurs in African American women. It
may result from tight braiding that is persistent over time.
Postmenopausal women are often more susceptible to this
condition.
Hair loss in women can be devastating. Society typically regards
women's hair as a sign of beauty, fertility and youth. Many women
feel that a full head of hair is necessary to function well in
life. Hair loss can result in emotional turmoil and self esteem for
many women. Fortunately there are a number of highly effective
treatments a woman can use to help combat hair loss. Here are some
popular treatment choices for women experiencing hair loss:
- Hair transplants - While this procedure is more
commonly associated with men, women can also undergo hair
transplant surgery. This treatment is often effective for
reducing hair loss associated with a heredity-based condition.
Not all women are good candidates for this procedure. Women who
are good candidates include those with patchy areas of thinning
rather than total hair thinning. Women must also have enough
donor hair available for the transplant and the procedure should
be able to meet a woman's expectations following transplantation.
- Minoxidil - This is an effective and FDA
approved treatment for hair loss in men and women. Women simply
have to apply this topical treatment twice daily to help prevent
or slow hair loss. Many users have reported hair regrowth with
routine use. Many find this product an easy product to
incorporate into a daily beauty regimen. Also called Rogaine,
Minoxidil is one of the better-known therapies for hair loss in
women.
- Hair extensions - Many women are opting for
human hair extensions to help restore their hairs thickness and
length. Human hair extensions provide a natural looking
alternative to hair transplantation surgery. You can use them to
cover patches or to address overall hair thinning throughout the
scalp. Hair extensions are applied in individual strands or in
wefts. The safest application procedures involve braiding
extensions into the hair. Using glues or waxes to apply hair
extensions may result in increased damage to a woman's already
fine and thinning hair.
It is important you consider your personal goals and lifestyle
before selecting the hair treatment alternative most likely to
resolve your hair problems. Remember, for many women hair loss is a
reality. Fortunately there are many steps you can take to stop the
problem from affecting your life and well-being!
Antigone
Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of
professional experience providing consumers with informative
articles on such topics as
hair restoration,
alopecia areata, and
hair analysis.
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